Dubai: The UAE Cabinet on Tuesday approved a host of national initiatives to mark the 41st National Day.
The initiatives were approved during a Cabinet meeting at the Union House in Dubai chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Among the initiatives approved is the National Charter of Values and Ethics that aims to create a generation of Emiratis who are aware of their responsibilities towards their nation, families and society.
10 initiatives approved
1.The year 2013 has been declared as Emiratisation year: A host of initiatives and policies will turn it into a national priority at all levels.
2. Setting up of the Union Museum: To preserve the Federation’s historical documents and photos for future generations.
3. All Federal Government entities to assist SMEs: By allocating 10 per cent of its total purchases for such projects that are set up by youth.
4. Ramadan 19th is named as “Emirati Humanitarian Work Day”: Set as an annual event in memory of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
5. ‘Proudly Made in the UAE’ : A policy that aims to improve national products and their level of quality.
6. Emirati studies as a graduation requirement: A compulsory subject to be
introduced at all national and private universities.
7. Charter for National Ethics and Values: Outlines the responsibilities of all Emiratis towards their nation, families, and society.
8. The Legacy of the UAE’s Founding Fathers: A subject to be included in history curriculum in all schools.
9. UAE flag to fly high: Distinguished flag poles to be built across the
emirates.
10. A flag at every government building: All local and Federal Government entities will be required to raise the national flag.
The Cabinet ordered the circulation of this charter to all relevant bodies, and to use it as a reference for all efforts related to the new generation of Emiratis.
“The Union began in the Union House, and today, we launch it once again. We will not be reliving memories in this meeting, but to renew our determination and remember the UAE founder’s spirit of ambition and their vision that led to the creation of the UAE, a country which consolidated its status on the global stage in only 41 years. It is with this same spirit and ambition that we will be able to move forward with confidence and strength towards the future,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
The charter specifies the concept of nationalism and its forms, as well as key characteristics, values, ethics and skills that should be adopted by Emirati citizens. The charter aims to put in place a clear and general outline for an Emirati citizen’s character in a way that reflects their culture, values, traditions, heritage and Islamic beliefs.
The Cabinet approved a number of other resolutions and initiatives.
Shaikh Mohammad announced that 2013 will be observed as Emiratisation Year in which all efforts will be intensified to launch a host of national initiatives and policies that make Emiratisation a national priority in all levels. “What distinguished the founding fathers, and what we have learned from them, is that Emirati citizen is our number one priority, and that developing human being beings takes precedence over the development of buildings and structures. This is also in line with the framework adopted by my brother President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
“In line with this framework, the achievements of 2013 will exceed those of 2012, and every year that follows will exceed the achievements of the year that has passed. There will be no room for failures or hesitation as we work towards achieving the aspirations of our people. It is important for all bodies to combine their efforts in order to work with these policies and initiatives for Emiratisation Year,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
Union Museum approved
“The spirit of the Union is to work as one team, under one vision with specific objectives. One will only be remembered by their achievements,” Shaikh Mohammad added.
The Cabinet approved a number of initiatives related to preserving the memory of the Union. The Cabinet approved setting up a Union Museum next to Union House. The Museum will include many pictures and documents on the Union’s history and its phases. It will also highlight important personalities that played an an important role in the Union. The museum aims to be a reliable reference for all researchers and those interested in the history of the Union, as well as for all Emirati citizens and visitors.
The Cabinet ratified a resolution instructing the Ministry of Education to include the ‘biography of the founding fathers’ in history and national studies curriculums in schools. The biography will impart lessons and meanings behind the march of development of the founding fathers, and forever immortalise their work and achievements that have helped the UAE attain a prominent position on the global stage.
In line with efforts to strengthen national identity and culture in universities, the Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to include ‘Emirati studies’ as a compulsory course in all national and private universities in the country.
The course includes subjects on the UAE’s history, culture, traditions, geography, laws and regulations, and other topics that concern Emirati society. The Cabinet announced that Ramadan 19 each year will be an annual occasion titled ‘Emirati Humanitarian Work Day’ in remembrance of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his role in setting up humanitarian work in the UAE. The day will see the launch of a number of humanitarian and charity initiatives in various public and private sector bodies.
“It was Shaikh Zayed who instilled in our people the spirit and love of giving without asking for anything in return. It is only natural to honour Shaikh Zayed, who we owe so much to, with such a day that highlights his humanity, giving and generosity. He made the UAE a global humanitarian destination,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
The Cabinet issued a resolution ordering the Ministry of Public Works to build massive flag poles for the UAE flag in all of the emirates. The flagpoles will be similar to those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
‘Made in UAE’ boost
The Cabinet also approved a national initiative under the slogan ‘Made Proudly in the UAE’. The Ministry of Economy was tasked with putting in place a general governmental policy to develop national products, and enhance pride in the quality of these national products, whether they are service products or national companies.
The Cabinet also approved an initiative to support small and medium enterprises of youths by allocating 10 per cent of all purchases made by ministries and federal government bodies to these enterprises.
“We will support Emirati youth, products and culture, because the UAE is our pride, and its citizens are the source of our pride,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
